Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Richmond, VA (Shockoe Bottom)

"I am committed to offering a compassionate and nurturing space where clients feel safe to explore their feelings, heal from their past, and grow into the most authentic version of themselves"

Nicole King is a Supervisee in Social Work with 1 year of experience working with women and individuals who experience sexual abuse, human trafficking, domestic violence, postpartum depression, and childhood trauma. She specializes in depression, anxiety, life transitions, post-traumatic stress, and complex stress. Nicole also has experience working with the geriatric population and is committed to empowering her clients by helping them recognize the inner strength that has carried them through difficult times. She encourages them to harness this resilience, fostering a sense of agency and control as they navigate their challenges.

Nicole received her Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California. She uses clinical approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, culturally sensitive therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, motivational interviewing, and Christian counseling.

Nicole encourages anyone needing help to schedule an appointment. Together, you will create a safe space for exploration and growth, empowering you to reclaim agency over your life.

"As an African-American female, I understand the presenting issues of financial and racial disparity, cultural bias, and intergenerational issues."

 Vanessa Johnson is an LPC and Certified Substance Use Counselor for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Vanessa offers over 30 years of experience in helping individuals with physical, emotional, and mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, and substance use. She has worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and a Certified Substance Use Counselor with the Commonwealth of Virginia. She is also an Ordained Minister experienced in pastoral counseling.

Vanessa facilitates the growth experience for her clients using strength-based, cognitive-behavioral, and reality counseling to assist her clients with the issues they are presenting. She is compassionate and respects the individuality and cultural backgrounds of her clients. Vanessa has the ability to establish a healthy rapport with her clients, understanding it takes courage to ask for help.

“I believe counseling is a partnership with the counselor and client striving to achieve a healthy life purpose for self,” says Vanessa.

"As a survivor of many different life experiences, I am able to work with clients and understand the challenges that life can often bring them. "

Stephanie Tingler is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 7 years of experience in the counseling field. She is extremely passionate about walking alongside clients and providing the support and tools to help them reach their personal goals and live the life they desire.

Stephanie completed her Master's degree in Professional Counseling at Liberty University. She has experienced many different mental health challenges and knows what it’s like to work through them and experience true happiness through hardship. She utilizes a variety of therapy methods including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), attachment-based therapy (ABT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).

Stephanie wants to help you take the first step to healing and living your best life. She looks forward to helping you gain new insight about who you are and help you learn ways to use new tools to reach your goals and grow in your own strength. If you’re ready to begin your journey schedule an appointment with her today.

"I am a trained mental health professional."

Dr. Naharia Holt-Elliott is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Approved Clinical Supervisor (LPC, CSAC, NCC, ACS) in the state of Virginia with more than 10 years of experience. She is also a mother and Army veteran who specializes in helping adult clients and families that are having difficulties managing stress and anxiety, struggling with coping skills, anxiety, depression, sexual abuse, combat, substance abuse, family and relational issues. 

Dr. Holt-Elliott offers cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectal behavioral therapy, and cognitive processing therapy, depending on the client's needs and preferences in sessions. She treats each family and individual as unique, offering individualized care that aims to empower each client to succeed, and remain motivated to change. 

With Dr. Holt-Elliott's assistance, individuals and groups alike can receive professional support and guidance during hard times. After all, that's when a mental health professional like Dr. Holt-Elliot is most needed. 

"I believe there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, so I meet each client where they are while working to improve their strengths and address weaknesses."

Heather Hiner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has over 7 years of experience. She specializes in assisting adults and seniors who have a range of concerns including chronic illness, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, relationships issues, parenting challenges, behavioral problems, as well as mood and personality disorders. Heather also has expertise in working with the geriatric population.

Heather received her Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California and also holds a Master's degree in Health & Wellness Counseling from Liberty University. Heather has previous experience in Crisis Intervention, Medical Social Work, and Disaster and Recovery Services. Heather utilizes a variety of clinical approaches that are targeted to client needs including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solutions-focused therapy (SFT), and mindfulness-based methods.

Heather truly believes in assisting others in meeting their goals and has a desire to partner with clients to help them have the greatest success. Heather feels that it is important to assist others in identifying their strengths to overcome all of life’s challenges, and is ready to help you achieve a higher quality of life.

"I meet the client where they are, with what they are experiencing. It's about what the client feels they need in that moment."

Gina Thompson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has 8 years of experience working with adults who suffer from a wide range of mental health concerns in various settings. Gina specializes in treating depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, anger, stress, chronic health concerns, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Gina completed her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Temple University and her Master of Social Work (MSW) with a clinical concentration at the University of New England. She utilizes a cognitive behavioral, mindful, motivational, and strengths-based therapeutic perspective to partner with each client for empowerment towards living the most authentic and emotionally healthy life. 

While searching for a therapist for her own family member, Gina experienced firsthand the difficult and overwhelming process it was. Her goal is to provide a safe, judgement-free environment where clients can feel heard, valued, and comfortable to identify and process any challenges they may be facing during these unprecedented times. 

"As a woman who has overcome multiple life challenges, I want to assist you with resiliency. I'm going to meet you wherever you are currently and help you thrive"

Tammy Simms is a supervisor in Social Work who has worked in the mental health field for 10+ years, working with children as young as age 5 and adults up to age 99. She enjoys working in the mental health field assisting individuals in managing life issues including grief, anxiety, depression, anger, PTSD, and trauma.

Tammy completed her Master of Social Work at Our Lady of The Lake University. She is a widow and has experienced loss, and she understands the struggles of moving forward toward resilience. Tammy utilized various treatment approaches including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), person-centered therapy, and family system therapy.

We all come from different walks of life and may have similar, yet different, challenges or struggles. Tammy is confident she can support you by meeting you where you are currently in your journey, and help you move forward toward growth. If you are ready to take this journey, please schedule an appointment with her today!

"As a counselor, I am passionate about creating a safe, nonjudgmental, empowering, and empathetic space for my clients to grow in their goals and gain the skills/tools to manage their depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and major life transitions."

Amanda Steiner is a Resident in Counseling with 5 years of experience in the mental health field. Amanda specializes in depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, religious trauma, and major life transitions. Amanda is passionate about assisting clients in finding internal safety, meeting their individual goals, and breaking cycles of generational trauma.

Amanda completed her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health from Regent University. As an artist, painter, quilter, gardener, baker, and coffee enthusiast, Amanda enjoys incorporating art and creativity into her therapeutic approach. Amanda utilizes multiple treatment approaches including person-centered, family systems, and attachment-based therapies, as well as mindfulness. Amanda strives to create a safe and empowering environment as she partners with clients to achieve their therapeutic goals and navigate life's challenges.

Amanda believes your story is important and worth hearing. If you think Amanda is a good fit for you, schedule an appointment with her today!

Justin Michaud is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LCPC) with over 7 years of professional experience working with clients of all ages to help them cope with family conflict, couple's issues, PTSD, trauma, depression, stress, and more.

Justin served as a Director of therapy services at a residential program for young adults and has seen some of the lowest valleys that patients have walked through, and sat with them in that valley so that their loneliness was not so daunting on the journey of empowerment and recovery. They have also seen patients on the highest peaks of their life and stood with them as they basked in their triumphs of empowerment and recovery.

Justin can be the guide that you need when you feel lost along your journey through life and would be honored if you allow them to help you achieve the mental health you desire.

"I bring a well-rounded mind-body approach to meet you where you are, work together to address your mental health issues, and empower you to lead a healthy, happy, meaningful life."

Karen Overmeyer is a double board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and an Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner with 3 years of experience in the psychiatry field. She specializes in supporting adults with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, depression, and anxiety using a holistic, integrated approach to treatment and medication management. Karen worked for 20 years as a nurse practitioner in oncology, palliative care, and hospice before entering the field of psychiatry. Her diverse medical and psychiatric background has led her to focus on the challenges faced during life transitions.

Karen received her Master’s in Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy, compassion-focused therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, motivational interviewing, and other approaches depending on client needs.

If you are struggling with your mental health, Karen commends you for seeking help. But you didn't come this far just to come this far. Karen provides a safe environment and a listening ear and invites you to work together to design a plan to improve your overall quality of life.

"As a systemic therapist, I know that taking the first steps towards change may be the hardest steps you take in life, but you don't have to explore your path alone."

Sara Kuntz is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 10 years of professional experience working with clients of all ages who are struggling to manage conditions or issues related to postpartum depression, academic-related problems, low self-esteem, sex, sexual orientation, chronic stress, and women’s issues. 

Sara graduated with her Bachelor's degree in Art Therapy from Seton Hill University and continued her education, receiving her Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seton Hill University, as well. Since graduating, her education has given her opportunities to take mental health jobs in a variety of different specialties. Sara has been able to own her own practice, work as a mobile therapist, and prides herself on being a positive, compassionate, hard-working therapist who strives to help clients develop a strong sense of self-awareness.

Sara will help you to recognize the impact of systemic influence as you work towards a more functional, fulfilling life with her professional support. Through meaningful sessions that put an emphasis on personalized care, you can start developing a stronger sense of self-purpose and clarity. 

"I understand how difficult it is to talk to others about personal issues."

Connie Ihle is a Licensed Professional Counselor Resident with 3 years of experience in outpatient and crisis care. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, mood disorders, as well as personality disorders. Connie believes everyone wants to live their best life but sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin. She aims to make adolescents, adults, and seniors feel accepted, understood, and valued on their journey toward well-being.

Connie graduated from Wake Forest University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health. Her counseling approach is strength-based, and she draws upon techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused CBT, solution-focused therapy, reality therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy.

No matter what you struggle with, please know you are not alone. Connie will meet you where you are and together you will overcome present challenges and underlying issues. She considers it an honor to be in that safe space with you and encourages you to schedule an appointment.

Amanda Buff is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and National Certified Counselor (LMHC-NCC) with nearly 10 years of clinical experience helping people in search of therapeutic support and guidance as they work through life obstacles. She specializes in helping clients who are faced with depression, codependency, anger, low self-esteem. addiction, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, and more.

She earned her Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling at Monmouth University in New Jersey and takes a therapeutic approach that is individualized to the client, family, or couple to ensure their needs are addressed properly from a caring and empathetic place. Some of her approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strengths-based, solution-focused (SFT), mindfulness, and dialectical behavior therapy techniques (DBT). 

Amanda comes from an empathetic and compassionate perspective, to help you improve your sense of well-being. She will strive to help you recognize your personal abilities to overcome challenges in your life, and collaboratively develop a plan to achieve your personal and therapeutic goals.

"I understand the importance of individualized treatment as every client is different and deserves the opportunity to have a say in their goals and life."

Emily is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 8 years of experience in the field of behavioral health. Emily has experience working within acute and residential mental health settings. She is passionate about the holistic approach, recognizing the effect of life's experience on the body, and individualizing treatment to each of her clients. Emily specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, eating disorders, and major life transitions.

Emily is an England native who has resided in Virginia for the last 21 years. Emily completed her Master of Social Work at Virginia Commonwealth University. Emily utilizes multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, motivational interviewing, rational emotive therapy, solution-focused therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Emily believes in the importance of recognizing how one's body experiences emotions in order to understand how to move forward in life.

Emily is confident in her abilities to work together toward each client's goals. Emily will create individual treatment plans with techniques specialized to your needs. Emily is honest in her sessions and will assist in guiding you to reach your full potential.